ISLAMABAD, AUG 12: /DNA/ – The Capital Development Authority (CDA), in line with the vision of Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and directions of Federal Minister for Interior, Mohsin Naqvi and under the leadership of Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa has embarked on an impressive campaign to illuminate Islamabad in celebration of Marka-e-Haq and the nation’s 78th Independence Day. The initiative aims not only to beautify the federal capital Islamabad exemplary, but also to foster a spirit of unity, patriotism, and festivity among its residents.

Over the past weeks, CDA, DMA and MCI teams have been working day and night to adorn the city’s major landmarks, government buildings, avenues, and city centers with vibrant national flags, dazzling decorative lights, and colorful branding. The vision is to transform Islamabad into a glowing reflection of Pakistan’s pride and cultural heritage during these significant national events.

Key buildings in Pak Secretariat and constitution Avenue such as the Parliament House, Auditor General of Pakistan besides D Cowk, and Pakistan Monument as well as the CDA Headquarters have been illuminated with exquisite lighting designs, showcasing the grandeur of the city’s architecture. Major roads and intersections, including Constitution Avenue, Jinnah Avenue, and Kashmir Highway, have been lined with strings of lights and national flags, creating an enchanting atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.

Special attention has also been given to public spaces and city centers, where themed decorations and interactive lighting displays have been installed. These arrangements serve as a vibrant backdrop for planned public gatherings, cultural performances, and patriotic programs, ensuring that the celebrations resonate with citizens of all ages.

The Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa has emphasised that these beautification and illumination efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance Islamabad’s image as a clean, green, and vibrant capital. “Our aim is to make Islamabad a city that reflects the spirit of the nation — full of life, color, and pride,” he remarked.

As Marka-e-Haq and Independence Day approach, the glowing streets and majestic landmarks of Islamabad stand as a testament to the dedication of the CDA in uniting the community through beauty, symbolism, and shared national pride. The city’s illuminated skyline is set to inspire joy, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to the ideals upon which Pakistan was founded.

— Experts Warn of Cost Escalation, Poor Construction, and No Increase in Karachi’s Water Supply

Nazir Siyal / DNA

KARACHI: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is scheduled to inaugurate the Hub Canal project on August 13 (Today), despite the fact that it remains incomplete and could see costs balloon into additional billions.

The project, launched under the leadership of Karachi Mayor and Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation Chairman Barrister Murtaza Wahab, was designed to supply 100 million gallons of water per day to Karachi through a 22-kilometer-long canal.

Ground inspections revealed and witnessed that 4 kilometers of the new canal have not been built, and water is currently being diverted through the old canal route. At the unfinished stretch, only partial diversion works exist, and a major aqueduct is still under construction, as seen in video images also.

Costing Rs 14 billion, this is the first major construction jointly undertaken by the Sindh Government and Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation, under a government-to-government deal with WAH Construction Company.

However, WAH subcontracted the work without formal approval to controversial contractor Ashraf D. Baloch & Company, known for poor-quality projects, and the consultancy was given to Usman & Company, previously blacklisted from the DHA City project and held responsible for failures in the K-IV water project.

Key flaws identified by sources include, No enhancement in filtration or pumping capacity.

The testing phase skipped critical international safety procedures.

Use of outdated 30–40-year-old construction methods.

Engineering experts warn that without phased water-filling and monitoring for leaks or structural weakness, the canal could suffer long-term damage. If faults emerge after water release, repairs will be extremely costly and may cut off water supply to large areas of Karachi.

The original Hub Dam agreement with WAPDA dates back to 1984, but in 2001 maintenance responsibility for the 22.74 km stretch from Zero Point to Manghopir Pumping Station shifted to Karachi Water and Sewerage Board.

It is pertinent to mention that the years of neglect have left walls and bridges cracked, causing water loss, reducing supply from 100 million gallons per day to just 62 million gallons reaching the station.

Even upon completion, officials admit the city’s supply will only grow by 38 million gallons daily over the next 20 years, due to pumping and filtration bottlenecks.

Despite the incomplete state and the risk of cost overruns, the inauguration will go ahead on August 13th,  raising concerns that political optics are being prioritised over engineering integrity.

Experts fear the Hub Canal could become another expensive and underperforming infrastructure project for Karachi.

This scribe tried to contact the Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab and Project Director Sikander Zardari and Managing Director LW&SC also, but they didn’t respond the calls and messages.

ISLAMABAD, AUG 12 /DNA/ – The U.S. Acting Coordinator for Counterterrorism, Gregory D. LoGerfo, today called on the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50.

The DPM/FM Dar was briefed on the discussions held during the Pakistan- U.S. CT Dialogue.

The DPM/FM encouraged sustained and structured bilateral engagement on counterterrorism between both countries, as a vital contributor to peace & stability in the region and beyond.

ISLAMABAD, AUG 12 /DNA/ – Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa chaired a high level meeting at CDA Headquarters which meeting was attended by Member Admin and Estate Talat Mahmood, Member Planning, Dr. Khalid Hafeez, Member Finance Tahir Naeem, Inspector General of Police Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi and other senior officers.

During the meeting, the arrangements made by the CDA to celebrate Marka-e-Haq and Independence Day in a dignified manner in the Federal Capital, Islamabad in line with the direction of Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and the leadership of Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, were reviewed.

It was decided that in connection with the celebrations of Marka-e-Haq and Independence Day, national flags have been hoisted on all official buildings across Islamabad, along with illuminations. Additionally, beautiful lighting arrangements, digital streamers have also been installed on all major highways, including Constitution Avenue, Club Road, Srinagar Highway, Jinnah Avenue, D-Chowk, Pakistan Monuments and other key areas to further beautify the Federal Capital on this occasion.

Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, said that to celebrate Marka-e-Haq and Independence Day with national zeal, various events are being organised by CDA across Islamabad, including flag-hoisting ceremonies, decorative lighting on highways, cultural events, fireworks, national song competitions and public programs. Similarly, speech competitions, painting contests, national song competitions and tableau shows have also been held among school studentsMoreover, all parks and grounds in Islamabad are being adorned with beautiful lights. Additionally, branding related to Marka-e-Haq and Independence Day are also being displayed on electric and other buses operating in the city.

Chairman CDA said that special measures are being taken to enhance security, traffic management and aesthetics to ensure the celebrations were held in a grand manner, allowing citizens to celebrate with national enthusiasm.

Following the direction of Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, the Islamabad Police have been instructed to ensure foolproof security arrangements across the city during the celebrations of Marka-e-Haq and Independence Day so that all events can be held peacefully. Additionally, checkpoints will be set up on entry and exit routes, key locations will be monitored through CCTV, and special security teams will be deployed.

Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa said that the purpose of celebrating Marka-e-Haq in a dignified manner is not only to pay tribute to our brave armed forces but also to recognize the day as the dawn of a new era. Furthermore, Marka-e-Haq stands as a testament to the fact that the whole Pakistani nation remains always united and steadfast in every difficult moment, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with its valiant and courageous armed forces to thwart all nefarious and evil designs of the enemy of Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD, AUG 12 /DNA/ – The Department of Arts and Humanities, National University of Modern Languages (NUML), organised a one-day seminar to mark Youm-e-Azaadi (Independence Day) and Youm-e-Marka-e-Haq. The event featured national songs, recitations of Allama Iqbal’s poetry, and inspiring speeches by Dean Faculty of Arts and Humanities, renowned columnist, scholar and Chairman National Rehmatul-lil-Alameen wa Khatamun Nabiyyin Authority (NRKNA), Dr. Khursheed Ahmed Nadeem, and Rector NUML, Major General Shahid Mahmood Kayani, HI (M).

Dean Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Prof Dr. Arshad Mahmood in his welcome address, emphasized the responsibility of safeguarding the country’s independence and striving for national progress. He highlighted that Marka-e-Haq proved that wars are not won by weapons alone but through faith and passion.

Chief Guest, Dr. Khursheed Ahmed Nadeem reflected on the significance of the day, noting Pakistan’s immense regional value and its foundational spirit built on the dedication of its youth. He stressed that Pakistan is not an outcome of mere circumstances but the result of determination and sacrifice. Linking the day’s celebration with the perspective of Marka-e-Haq, he urged the nation to stand firm, embrace self-accountability, and avoid the culture of blame and unrest. He reminded that Pakistan is a blessing to be respected and valued, adding that progress requires patience and resilience in the face of challenges.

Rector NUML, Maj Gen Shahid Mahmood Kayani HI(M) delivered a thoughtful and inspiring speech, describing Pakistan as a divine blessing, achieved during Ramadan, on the night of Shab-e-Qadr; an event of great spiritual significance. He recalled the sacrifices of the forefathers and the courage of the armed forces in achieving the victory of Marka-e-Haq despite the adversary’s far greater military resources. Stressing that Pakistan has abundant resources and potential, he called upon citizens to work with dedication to elevate the country to new heights of glory, reminding that “we are nothing without Pakistan.”

The seminar concluded with a renewed pledge by participants to uphold the spirit of independence, honouror the sacrifices of the past, and strive collectively for the nation’s prosperity and dignity.

ISLAMABAD, AUG 12: PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Tuesday dismissed talk of any potential legislation regarding a 27th constitutional amendment as “baseless rumours”.

Even though the 26th Amendment is still mired in controversy, the power corridors in Islamabad are abuzz with talk of a possible 27th Constitutional Amendment, which, according to the insiders, will further “fine-tune” the structure and the functioning of the superior judiciary.

With the 26th Amendment, the government introduced sweeping changes to the judicial framework. Sources had said certain contentious matters, such as a separate constitutional court, left unresolved in the 26th Amendment, would now be taken up in the new amendment.

Speaking to reporters in Hyderabad about the matter, Bilawal addressed the “baseless rumours”, stating: “So far, no federal minister, prime minister or party member has approached me regarding any amendments.”

He also highlighted that the 26th Amendment was passed after reaching a consensus with compromise from political parties. “PPP wanted constitutional courts, but we compromised,” he said.

In a post on X, the PPP quoted him as saying, “The 26th Constitutional Amendment is an eternal success. Judicial reforms and constitutional courts were a demand of the Charter of Democracy, but we prioritised a constitutional bench over a constitutional court for the sake of consensus.”

Though the speculations are rife, there has been no official word regarding the 27th Constitutional Amendment. At present, the proposal to further reform the judiciary is at a very initial stage, but consultations are reportedly underway within the ruling PML-N and some legal circles. Despite these purported consultations, any draft for this proposed bill has yet to see the light of day.

On Sunday, PTI senior leader Asad Qaiser said that the party would approach the legal fraternity following “new drama” surrounding the legislation. “In this case, we will approach the lawyers’ community regarding this legislation,” he said, adding, “We will begin by meeting with the Islamabad Bar this month.”

In June, amid speculation in legal circles about the government planning to bring in the 27th Amendment, the Islamabad High Court Bar Association endorsed the amendment while calling for broad-based judicial reforms, including the nationwide rotation of judges.

NFC award
While responding to a question about amending the National Finance Commission (NFC) award, Bilawal said, “Absolutely. Further changes must come in NFC.”

He continued, “The previous NFC award was given before passing the 18th Amendment, which was before 2010.”

He said that various responsibilities of the federal government were handed to the provinces, adding, “But the NFC is the same as it was prior to the 18th Amendment.”

The PPP chairman continued, “The Constitution says that the NFC award must be regularly given after five years. It is already mentioned that the shares of provincial governments cannot be reduced in new NFC awards.”

“All provinces must be given more resources as per the increased responsibilities after the 18th Amendment.”

He added, “We must immediately call NFC and give new awards. All provinces must be given resources according to the 18th Amendment.”